Cellular data settings on your iPhone are a key part of managing your connectivity and avoiding surprises on your bill. Whether you're at home or traveling abroad, knowing how to check, modify, and optimize these settings will help you get the most out of your smartphone without overspending. Today we'll look at how to manage your data. how to check and change cellular data settings on your iPhone.
In this article we will explain How to manage mobile data on your iPhone, from how to activate or deactivate them to how to set up an eSIM and control your data usage. All in a simple, detailed manner, with clear examples that will help you get the most out of your device.
How to turn mobile data on or off
To start, the most basic: enable or disable mobile data on your iPhone. This will help you both save battery life and prevent unnecessary data usage if you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.
You just have to go to Settings > Mobile data (or “Cellular” on some iOS versions). There you’ll find a switch that allows you to turn on or off the use of the cellular network for internet. If you turn it off, your iPhone will only use Wi-Fi. and you will stop consuming mobile data.
Additionally, if you have a dual SIM model, you can choose which line to use as your primary data line. This is very useful when you're traveling and using a local SIM or backup plan. You can also share your data if required.
Advanced mobile network options (LTE, 4G, 3G, roaming)
In that same menu, if you access Mobile data options, you will find settings for:
- Select the preferred network: You can choose to use LTE, 4G, or 3G depending on what your carrier offers. 5G may also be available depending on your iPhone and plan.
- Data roaming: If you disable it when traveling abroad, you'll avoid potential additional charges. Only activate it if you have a plan that includes data in the country you're visiting.
- Voice roaming: On CDMA networks you can disable this option to prevent calls outside your operator.
Note that Some functions such as downloading maps, videos or streaming can consume a lot of mobile data.. Keeping an eye on these options is crucial, especially if you don't have an unlimited plan. You can also adjust the quality of your streaming videos to save data.
Monitor data usage by app
An extremely useful feature is the ability to see which apps are using the most mobile data. To do it:
- Go to Settings > Mobile data.
- Scroll down to see a list of all your apps and how many megabytes or gigabytes they've used.
- If you don't want an app (e.g., YouTube or TikTok) to use mobile data, you can disable it right there.
This feature helps you control your usage and prioritize Wi-Fi usage for heavier apps. Plus, if you go to the end of that section, you'll be able to see global consumption statistics, how much data you've used in the current period, and you also have the "Reset Statistics" button to start a new count from scratch. This is ideal if you want to sync your tracking with your billing cycle.
Check the data usage of each line This is also possible if you have a dual-SIM iPhone. This will help you manage your usage if you use different carriers at different times.
Setting up and managing eSIM on iPhone
Nowadays, many iPhone models support the use of eSIM, a digital SIM card that is configured directly from the device. It's perfect for travel without having to physically change cards or to have two operators on the same phone.
There are several ways to activate an eSIM on iPhone:
- Automatic activation by the operator: Some carriers already link your line to your iPhone. Just go to Settings > Cellular Data and tap “Add eSIM.”
- Fast transfer: If your carrier allows it and you have both iPhones nearby (the old one and the new one), you can transfer the number directly between them.
- Scanning a QR code: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR code, and scan the one your carrier gives you.
- Operator App: If your operator has an app, you can configure the line from there.
Once activated, go to Settings > Mobile Data to check that the eSIM is active and set options as the default line for data, calls, and messages. If you need more information on how to activate these options, visit the article on mobile data troubleshooting.
What happens when you make calls and use the internet at the same time?
Depending on the type of network your iPhone is connected to, you may experience different behaviors when using data and calls at the same time:
- On 5G, LTE, 4G and 3G GSM networks: You can talk and use the internet at the same time without any problem.
- With EDGE or GPRS: It is possible that Calls interrupt data download or even go to voicemail.
- CDMA networks (like some in the US): Depending on the connection (EV-DO, 1xRTT), data usage may be paused or you may not receive calls while downloading information.
This is something to keep in mind if you use messaging or browsing apps while talking on the phone. If you're connected to Wi-Fi, everything still works normally. restart devices if you have connection problems.
Background mobile data usage and system services
In addition to the apps, the iOS system itself uses data in the backgroundThis includes features such as:
- Location services.
- Corporate accounts.
- Mail synchronization.
- Wi-Fi Assist (switch to mobile data if Wi-Fi is weak).
You can see this usage by going to Settings > Mobile Data > System Services. They cannot be disabled individually., but it is useful to better understand total consumption. You can also learn more about how to connect to the Internet to optimize your data usage.
Help Wi-Fi Worthy of special mention: when enabled by default, your iPhone may use cellular data if it detects slow Wi-Fi. If you have a limited plan, we recommend disabling it in Settings.
How to check the data usage of each line or SIM
If you have an iPhone with dual SIM (one physical card and one eSIM), the system allows you to view mobile data usage separately by line.
Simply go to Settings > Cellular Data and tap each line. There you can see your usage and, if you wish, reassign which line is used for data. This is especially useful for those who travel a lot or use international data lines. A good resource is transfer data from one iPhone to another to facilitate management.
Tips to avoid unexpected charges
Here are some practical recommendations to help you stay on track and avoid surprises at the end of the month:
- Disable data-intensive apps: such as streaming video or music platforms.
- Set up push notifications over Wi-Fi only.
- Turn off “Wi-Fi Help” if you are close to your rate limit.
- Use a local eSIM if you travel: They are cheaper and more controllable.
- Check your data usage regularly in Settings > Mobile Data.
Keeping your iPhone's cellular data settings under control is easier than it seems.With clear options, detailed usage reports, and technologies like eSIM, Apple offers a lot of flexibility. You just need to spend a few minutes reviewing your settings and adjusting what you need to fit your lifestyle or travel style.
